Thyroid why still tired

These symptoms are so similar to those of depression that they often lead people to believe they have Major Depressive Disorder MDD instead. But while the presentation of a depressive episode caused by hypothyroidism and one cased by MDD may be the same, the diagnoses are different; with hypothyroidism, the depressive episode is related to low serum thyroid hormone levels, but with MDD, the direct cause is unknown. In addition, the effects of hypothyroidism can worsen pre-existing depression.

There are other symptoms of hypothyroidism that don't overlap with depression, such as constipation, feeling cold all the time, stiff muscles, cramping, and hair loss. Being aware of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and depression can enable you to paint a more complete picture of your condition for your doctor so they can help you get the treatment and care you need. Hyperthyroidism , on the other hand, is when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone.

In a lot of ways, it's the opposite of hypothyroidism. Instead of causing a slow metabolism, hyperthyroidism can cause the metabolism to operate too quickly, making it difficult to gain and retain weight.

Instead of feeling depressed, you may feel anxious or nervous with hyperthyroidism. You might also experience heart palpitations, difficulties with sleeping or tolerating heat, and muscle weakness.

However, hyperthyroidism can also occasionally cause depressive symptoms , especially among elderly people. People with hyperthyroidism can also develop a large thyroid, or goiter, in the neck. It may also lead to Grave's ophthalmopathy, which causes the eyes to bulge out of their sockets.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to contact your doctor for further evaluation. Talk with your doctor about how to get this done with hormone replacement medication. Be patient as you target getting TSH levels into that range. It can take some time — even a few months. Jan Hoffman, MD , an endocrinologist in Newton, Kansas, also points out that it's important to confirm that hypothyroidism is actually what's causing you to feel exhausted.

Hoffman often screens people for vitamin D deficiency , for example, which he says is very common in his area of the country at a high latitude, where there is less sun exposure and can cause ongoing tiredness. He also tests people for connective tissue diseases, anemia , and inflammatory illnesses — all of which can cause fatigue.

If you have a definitive diagnosis of hypothyroidism , you'll have to wait for your thyroid hormone levels to adjust with the replacement medication. A feeling of low energy might hound you for a bit, Dr. Bernet says. You can still make a difference in how you feel from day to day. Thyroid hormone replacement medication helps most people with an underactive thyroid feel less fatigued.

Even those with severe cases of hypothyroidism usually get some relief from symptoms within six months of starting treatment, according to Dr. That means taking it at the same time and in the same way every day. You should take your medication on an empty stomach and wait at least 30 minutes to one hour before eating. According to the American Thyroid Association , the best time to take your medication is first thing in the morning.

Looking for a quick fix for your afternoon energy dip? Take a nap. Doing something fun for even just a moment can make you feel energized. Get some exercise. Exercise is helpful for many reasons. It helps increase blood flow to the brain, clear toxicities, and develop muscle mass, which increases production of mitochondria, the energy units in our cells, says Olson.

Take time for your mind. Sadness, depression, and anxiety can reduce your bandwidth and sap your energy, says Olson, but meditation can help counter stress-related spikes in nervous system activity that can otherwise leave you exhausted.

Take a course in mindfulness-based stress reduction, offered at many hospitals and health centers around the country, she suggests. Talking with a mental health professional can also be helpful. Keep water nearby. Dehydration can make you feel tired or give you a headache, says Olson. But don't overdo it if you're at risk for diabetes—some studies show that selenium raises your risk.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other drugs you take. Some antidepressants, for example, can affect how much thyroid hormone you need. And blood thinners can become more potent if you're taking thyroid medication. Be careful with antacids that contain calcium or aluminum.

They can also block the absorption of thyroid hormone. Wait at least an hour after taking your thyroid meds before you reach for one. Waiting 4 hours may be even safer, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Don't take your thyroid medication at the same time as calcium or iron supplements. Both nutrients can prevent thyroid hormone from being properly absorbed, so take them at least 1 hour apart. Winnie Yu is the coauthor with Dr. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories.

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